Midland Metro link for planned for Dudley Port railway station

The plans have been revealed in a new public consultation by Sandwell Council.

The Midland Metro, to run between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill on a new line, will stop at Dudley Port railway station under the plans, with the Metro tracks to run through the station.

Council bosses say the work will ‘open up Dudley Port for regeneration’.

Bus stops will also be moved closer to the main entrance of the interchange ‘to improve connectivity’ with metro and rail services, the report said.

It would feature a new waiting area, ticket office and cycle parking for passengers. Meanwhile access for pedestrians would be improved with signs and maps.

Councillor Paul Moore, cabinet member for regeneration and economic investment at Sandwell Council, said: “Dudley Port has got a major transport station point that we hope can get further work in the future.

“The extension of the metro from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill will open up Dudley Port as part of a regeneration corridor.

“The interchange could be built, but that is banking on the metro being developed which is almost a reality.”

Councillor Moore said the metro line would provide improvements to transport links, enable new housing and other development.

“You only have to look at the extension of the metro in Birmingham by three or four stops,” he said. “That made the number of people using it dramatically increase.”

The metro line from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill – running through Dudley Port and Dudley – will be built on the former South Staffordshire Railway line.

The Midlands Metro Alliance, working on the project on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority – expects work on the tram route to begin in 2019 and be open for passengers by 2023.

The report continued: “Dudley Port Railway Station is vitally important as a means of enabling Sandwell residents to travel to the job growth zones in Birmingham City Centre.”